Kaua‘i police officers honored by commission for predawn cliffside rescue

Kaua‘i Police Department officers Matthew Kaluahine, Jesse Castro and Jason Scalzo were honored for their service on Sept. 27 by the Kaua‘i Police Commission.

The officers were dispatched to an area near Waikoko Beach in Hanalei at approximately 12:45 a.m. on Jun. 22, following an automated emergency traffic collision report from an iPhone. Upon arrival, officers found a vehicle precariously situated partway down the cliffside.

The vehicle was lodged between two trees with its engine running and transmission still engaged, positioned directly above a 30-foot drop to the ocean.

The officers devised a plan to secure the vehicle by anchoring tow straps to their patrol truck, enabling Officer Kaluahine to rappel down to the door of the vehicle.

Once at the vehicle, Officer Kaluahine discovered an unresponsive male occupant. He secured the vehicle with an additional tow strap to prevent any further movement and remained with the occupant until Kaua‘i Fire Department personnel arrived to conduct the extraction.

“Although they were uncertain if anyone remained inside the vehicle, these officers did not hesitate,” stated Assistant Chief Kalani Ke.

During the Kaua‘i Police Commission meeting, the commission formally commended Officer Kaluahine, Officer Castro and Acting Sergeant Scalzo for their efforts and performance.

The Kaua‘i Police Department has uploaded body camera footage of the incident to YouTube here.